NUNAVIK 2011 - Demographic and Socioeconomic Conditions - INSPQ
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Health Profile of
NUNAVIK
Demographic and
Socioeconomic Conditions
- 2011 -
Author Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services With the collaboration of Institut national de santé publique du Québec Under the scientific coordination of Serge Déry, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services Jérôme Martinez, Institut national de santé publique du Québec Research and writing Karine Garneau, Institut national de santé publique du Québec Hamado Zoungrana, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services Page Layout Hélène Fillion, Institut national de santé publique du Québec Graphics Point l’Agence Suggested Citation Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services with the collaboration of Institut national de santé publique du Québec (2011). Health Profile of Nunavik 2011 : Demographic and Socioeconomic Conditions, Government of Québec, 32 pages and appendices. This document is available in its entirety in electronic format (PDF) on Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services Web site at: www.rrsss17.gouv.qc.ca and the Institut national de santé publique du Québec Web site at: www.inspq.qc.ca. Reproductions for private study or research purposes are authorized by virture of Article 29 of the Copyright Act. Any other use must be authorized by the Government of Québec, which holds the exclusive intellectual property rights for this document. Authorization may be obtained by submitting a written request to Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, P.O. Box 900, Kuujjuaq (Québec) J0M 1C0 or by e-mail: information_rrsss@17ssss.gouv.qc.ca. Information contained in the document may be cited provided that the source is mentioned. Legal Deposit – X quarter 2012 Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec Library and Archives Canada ISBN: 978-2-922764-28-4 (PRINT FORMAT) ISBN: 978-2-922764-29-1 (PDF) ISSN: 1929-2074 (PRINT FORMAT) ISSN: 1929-2082 (PDF) © Government of Québec (2012)
Acknowledgements
This health profile has been commissionned by the Nunavik Regional Board
of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) and carried out in collaboration with
the Études et analyses de l’état de santé de la population (ÉAÉSP) sector of the
Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ).
The writers wish to thank all the NRBHSS team and the partners from the
Nunavik health and social services network for their initial input in this project,
and Éric Duchesneau, communication officer, at the NRBHSS. We also want
to thank Danielle St-Laurent and Louis Rochette from the Surveillance des
maladies chroniques et de leurs déterminants sector of INSPQ for the access
and data processing of Nunavik Inuit Health Survey 2004 Qanuippitaa? How are
we? Survey Highlights as well as Marc Ferland from the Direction régionale
de santé publique de l’Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de la Capi-
tale-Nationale, Danièle Dorval from the Direction de santé publique de l’Agence
de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal, Suzanne Bruneau and Faisca
Richer of Santé des Autochtones sector at INSPQ, for their sound comments.
Finally, for their collaboration throughout the project, we would like to stress
the contribution of Sylvie Martel from the ÉAÉSP sector at INSPQ, for varied
data processing and her sensible advices, along with Hélène Fillion for the page
layout and visual concept of this document.
III Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Director’s Message Although this report is to fulfill a legal obligation devolved to the Director of Regional Public Health, the Nunavik Health Profile is also designed to provide regional directors, as much for the health and social services as other sectors, and to the Nunavik’s population, with the necessary information for decision making in order to improve the state of health and well-being of the Nunavimmiuts. First of a series, this installment on demographic and socioeconomic conditions outlines many factors which decisional levers are beyond the health domain and nevertheless have considerable consequences on the state of health of Nunavik’s population. Enjoy!
Highligths
POPULATION
• N unavik’s population has doubled over the past 30 years, growing from 5,860 in 1986 to 11,860 in 2011.
• Nunavik’s population is young: approximately one third (34%) of the population is under 15 years of age, compared
to 16% for Québec.
• The population aged 65 or older has been constantly growing since the end of the nineties and will continue to grow
over the next few years: the proportion of people aged 65 or older will increase from 3% in 2011 to 8% in 2031.
• Nunavik can be easily compared with other Inuit regions: they all have a large proportion of young people and few
elderly at this time.
Fertility
• T he average number of children per woman in Nunavik is one of the highest in Québec with 3.2 children per woman
in Nunavik and 1.6 in Québec for the 2004–2008 period.
• The women of Nunavik have children at a younger age than their peers in Québec: the average age of mothers
at birth was 25 years old in Nunavik and 29 years old in Québec for the 2004–2008 period.
• Fertility among Inuit is similar in Nunavik and Nunavut. The number of childre n per woman registered in the two areas
is 3.3 and 3.0 children respectively.
Family and Marital Status
• N unavimmiut families are large: the average number of people in the census family was 3.9 in Nunavik and 2.9 in
Québec in 2006.
• In 2006, 30% of private households in Nunavik had 4 to 5 people, and 25% were made up of 6 or more people.
In Québec, fewer than 20% of households were made up of 4 people or more.
.
Level of Education
• N unavik’s population still has low education levels but has an increasing number of graduates. In 2006, among people
aged 25 to 64, 10% had a high school diploma, 30% had a post-secondary diploma below a bachelor’s degree,
and 10% had a university degree.
• The partial post-secondary diploma is the most common in Nunavik and in the other Inuit regions.
VI Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Jobs and Employment
• A
mong those 25 years and older, the employment rate in 2006 was slightly higher in Nunavik (64%) than in Québec
(61%), unlike those in the group 15 to 24 years of age, where the employment rate is far lower (38% vs. 56%).
• Unemployment rates among those 25 years of age and older was 15% in Nunavik and 6% in Québec in 2006. Among
youth aged 15 to 24, the employment rate was 27% and 12%, respectively.
• The employment rate in Nunavik can be compared to that of Nunavut and the Inuvialuit region at approximately 60%.
Income
• I n Nunavik, income was lower than in Québec, in spite of the higher cost of living: the median income after taxes
for individuals 15 years and older who were earning an income in 2005 was $20,971 in and $22,471 in Québec.
• In Nunavik, women’s income ($22,912) was higher than those of men ($18,793) in 2005.
• For Nunangat, men in Nunavik and Nunavut have a median income of nearly $4,000 less than men in other regions.
However, women in Nunavik have higher salaries: the differential varied from $6,000 in Nunatsiavut to $3,000 in the
Inuvialuit Region.
Food Security
• A
ccording to the Qanuippitaa health survey, 24% of the population of Nunavik reports having experienced food
insecurity during the month preceding the survey. These proportions reached 32% on the Hudson coast and 14%
on the Ungava coast.
• Food insecurity was also felt in other Inuit regions. In 2006, 33% of Inuit children in Nunavik aged 6 to 14 experienced
food insecurity. These proportions hit 39% in Nunavut and 30% and 12% in Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit
region respectively.
VII Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
VIII Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
List of Text Boxes and Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Nunavik and Inuit Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• Fertility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• Family and civil status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• Level of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• Jobs and Unemployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
• Incom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
• Food Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
• Appendix 1 Definitions and Sources of Data for Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
• Appendix 2 Summary Table of Indicators for the “2011 Health Profile of Nunavik: Demo-
graphic and Socioeconomic Conditions,” RSS and Nunavik
Coasts, Québec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• Appendix 3 Summary Table of the Main Results for the Section on Demographic
and Socioeconomic Conditions, Nunangat Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
IX Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
List of Tables
and Graphs
List of Tables
Table 1 Total Population and group of population with aboriginal identity, Inuit villages
of Nunavik, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table 2 Population Size of Inuit and Non-Aboriginals in Canada and in Inuit Nunangat,
2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Table 3 Proportion of the Population Who Have Experienced Food Insecurity and Frequency
of Use of the Community Freezer to Obtain Traditional Food, RSS and Nunavik
Coast, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
List of Graphs
Graph 1 istribution of Inuit Population in the Nunangat Regions, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
D
Graph 2 Growth Rate of Population, Nunavik, 1986-1991 to 2006–2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Graph 3 Population Distribution Based on Age and Sex, Nunavik and Québec, 2011 . . . . . . . 13
Graph 4 Population Distribution Based on Age, Nunavik, 1981 to 2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Graph 5 Population Distribution Based on Age, Québec, 1981 to 2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Graph 6 ertility Rate According to Age, RSS and Nunavik Coasts, 2004–2008 . . . . . . . . . . . 16
F
Graph 7 otal Fertility Rate According to Age, RSS and Nunavik Coasts, Québec,
T
2004–2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Graph 8 Population Distribution Based on Household Size, RSS and Nunavik Coasts,
Québec, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Graph 9 Population Distribution between 25 and 64 Based on Highest Level
of Education and Age, RSS and Nunavik Coasts, Québec, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Graph 10 Employment Rate for People 15 and older, based on age, RSS and Nunavik
Coasts, Québec, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Graph 11 Employment Rate for People 15 and older, based on sex, RSS and Nunavik
Coasts, Québec, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Graph 12 L
ow Income Rate Base on Type of Families, Nunavik and Québec, 2006 . . . . . . . . 24
X Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesList of Text Boxes
and Maps
List of Text Boxes
Text Box 1 The Inuit Language is Alive and Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Text Box 2 Dependence Index and Sex Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Text Box 3 Overcrowded Dwellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Text Box 4 Educational Path for Nunavimmiut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Text Box 5 Professional and Technical Training in Nunavik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Text Box 6 Changes in Nunavik Job Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Text Box 7 Basic Products Cost More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Text Box 8 Little Diversity in Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
List of Maps
Map 1 Nunavik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Map 2 Inuit Nunangat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
XI Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesIntroduction
XII Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesUnder the Québec Public Health Act, each regional public of the themes discussed, we present the main highlights
health director is mandated to continuously monitor the for the coasts of the Hudson and Ungava Bays and for the
population’s health and well-being for his or her region, regions of Inuit Nunangat.
resulting in the Health Profile which aims to provide local
decision-makers, professionals within the health network, We have included the definitions and sources of the data
and the population in general on the population’state related to the indicators in the appendix in a glossary. Also
of healh in the region. This tool helps support the decision included in the appendix are summary tables with the most
making and to orient the planning and programming of recent data available used in this section: one table for
interventions (MSSS, 2004). the Hudson and Ungava coasts, Nunavik and Québec,
and a second table for Inuit Nunangat.
The Nunavik Health Profile has been designed to regroup
the indicators in five different sections based on five
major themes:
1 Demographic and socioeconomic conditions
2 Behaviours and lifestyle
3 Health of mothers and children
4 Living environments
5 Overall status of health
In this section, we look at indicators of demographic
(population, fertility) and socioeconomic conditions (fami-
ly, education, employment, income). The majority of indica-
tors used in this document are found in the Plan commun
de surveillance (PCS, Common monitoring plan). However,
we integrated a few more specific indicators to take into
account the sociocultural, economic and environmental
contexts of Nunavik, which are very different from those
in other regions of Québec.
In addition to presenting information on the region and its
coastal CLSC territories, we took measurements based on
data sources on the Inuit population in Canada, which
were used to compare the status of health among
Nunavimmiut at the regional, provincial and national levels
with Inuit in other regions of Canada, Inuit Nunangat.
For the purposes of presenting the data in a clear, easy-
to-understand manner, we have focussed the analyses on
Nunavik and made comparisons with Québec. For each
1 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesNunavik and the Inuit Regions
In this study, we have analyzed the health of These two coasts also lend their name to the two
the inhabitants of Nunavik, or Nunavimmiut, and CLSC territories within Nunavik. On the Hudson coast,
the Inuit of Inuit Nunangat. Below we present some the Inuulitsivik Health Centre located in Puvirnituq
geographical information on the groups examined is also called the Hudson CLSC. The Ungava Tulattavik
and the terminology used in the document. Health Centre in Kuujjuaq refers to the CLSC on
the Ungava. In this report, we use the terms “Hudson
Nunavik and Its Coasts coast” and “Ungava coast” to designate these health
and social service areas.
Nunavik is a vast territory located farthest north
of Québec. It is divided into two subregions, the
Hudson and the Ungava, each counting seven
villages Covering a land area of 507,000 km 2, it
Table 1
comprises approximately one third of the total area Distribution of Population with Aboriginal Identity,
of the Province of Québec. Nunavik region, coasts and villages, 2006
Total Proportion of total population
Nunavik is a sociocultural place quite unlike the rest Territories population1 with an aboriginal identity1
of Québec It is populated in majority by the Inuit. Also, (N) (N) (%)
its remoteness makes it the region most isolated Hudson Bay 5,915 5,620 95.0
in Québec. In fact, only the boat and the plane, when Kuujjuarapik 570 515 90.4
navigation allows it, bridge the Nunavik with the rest Umiujaq 390 375 96.2
of Québec. Locally, ontly the two means of transporta- Inukjuak 1,425 1,340 94.0
tion, with snowmobile in winter connect one village Puvirnituq 1,435 1,385 96.5
to another. Akulivik 505 505 100.0
Ivujivik 350 345 98.6
The inhabitants of the region live in 14 villages along Salluit 1,240 1,155 93.1
the coasts of Ungava Bay (east), Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay* 4,235 3,650 86.2
Hudson Strait (west) (Map 1); they are often referred Kangiqsualujjuaq 735 710 96.6
to as the Ungava coast and the Hudson coast, ach Quaqtaq 315 300 95.2
counting seven villages. Puvirnituq and Kuujjuaq Kangirsuk 465 425 91.4
are respectively the administrative center. Kuujjuaq Aupaluk n.d. n.d. n.d.
is also the administrative center of the Nunavik.
Tasiujaq n.d. n.d. n.d.
Kuujjuaq 2,115 1,665 78.3
On the Hudson coast, three villages count more than
Kangiqsujuaq 605 560 92.6
1,000 people. On the Ungava coast, Kuujjuaq distance
Nunavik * 10,150 9,270 91.3
itself by 2,000 people. Statistics will then be marked,
Source: Statistique Canada (2007a)
for each coast, by the numerical size of the villages. Notes: 1: The total population and the total population with aboriginal identity are
obtained from the sample data (20%) of the 2006 Census which excludes institutional
Also, one should note that 22% of Kuujjuaq inhabitants residents. This population differs from the total sample (100%) of the Census.
n.a.: Data not available.
are non-aboriginals while this proportion do not *: Excludes villages of Aupaluk and Tasiujaq.
exceed 10% in other villages of the region (Table 1).
2 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesNunavik
Legend
Regional Board
Health Center
CLSC
Rehabilitation center
Transit house
Healthcare Montreal
Reference Hospital
Ivujivik
Salluit
Kangiqsujuaq
Akulivik
Quaqtaq
Kangirsuk
Puvirnituq
Aupaluk
Kangiqsualujjuaq
Tasiujaq
Inukjuak
Kuujjuaq
Umiujaq
Kuujjuaraapik
3 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesNunavik and Inuit Nunangat In 2006, during the last census, the Inuit population
in Canada was 50,480. Nearly 40,000 Inuit (78%) live in one
In the Inuit language, “Inuit Nunangat” means place where of the Inuit Nunangat regions and 22% outside of the
the Inuit live. These Inuit territories extend from north regions (Graph 1). Nearly half (49%) of the Inuit live in
of Labrador to the Northwest Territories and represent Nunavut and approximately 19% in Nunavik. The Inuvialiut
nearly one third of the area of Canada (Map 2). From east region (6%) and Nunatsiavut (4%) have the lowest percen
to west, there is Nunatsiavut (north of Labrador), Nunavik tage. In these four regions, the majority of the population
(north of Québec), Nunavut and the Inuvialiut region (part is Inuit. Indeed, less than 10% of the inhabitants of
of the Northwest Territories) (Statistics Canada 2008a). Nunatsiavut and Nunavik are non-aboriginal. These
The Inuit in all these regions share certain customs but figures rise to 15% in Nunavut and to 33% in the Inuvialiut
also have their own traditions and languages (Text Box 1). region (Table 2).
Graph 1 Table 2
Distribution of Inuit Population Population Size of Inuit and Non-Aboriginals
in the Nunangat Regions, 2006 in Canada and in Inuit Nunangat, 2006
Territories Inuit Non-Aboriginal
Inuvialuite
Population Population
6%
Nunatsiavut Outside Nunangat
Canada 50,480 30,067,290
4% 22%
• Inuit Nunangat 39,475 7,065
• Nunatsiavut 2,160 215
• Nunavik 9,565 920
Nunavut Nunavik • Nunavut 24,635 4,410
49% 19%
• Région inuvialuite 3,120 1,520
• Outside of Inuit Nunangat 11,000 30,060,225
Source: Zukewich (2008). Source: Zukewich (2008).
Note: This area groups together only people Note: Note: This area groups together only people
who have declared themselves Inuit. who have declared themselves Inuit.
Text Box 1
The Inuit Language Is Alive and Well
Five distinct dialects in the Inuit language are spoken in Canada: Inuvialuktun (Inuvialuit Region), Inuinnaqtun (especially in a few
communities in western Nunavut), Inuttitut (eastern Nunavut), Inuttitut (Nunavik) and Inuttut (Nunatsiavut). The term “Inuktitut”
is also used to refer to all these dialects (Statistics Canada 2008c). In 2006, 84% of Inuit living in the Inuit Nunangat regions could
carry on a conversation in an Inuit language. Whereas the major part of the population of Nunavik (99%) and Nunavut (91%) fluently
speak Inuktitut, only 27% of Inuit from Nunatsiavut and 20% of Inuit in the Inuvialuit region can easily express themselves in one
of these dialects. According to the 2006 Census, 80% of Inuit in the Inuvialuit region and 73% of those from Nunatsiavut only speak
English (Statistics Canada 2007a).
4 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesInuit Nunangat
Régions inuites
Région
inuvialuite Grise Fiord La carte correspond à la date de référence géographique
er
Sachs de Statistique Canada (1 janvier 2006)
Harbour
Tuktoyaktuk Resolute
Pond Inlet
Aklavik Arctic
Inuvik Holman Bay
Paulatuk Clyde River
Cambridge Bay
Kugluktuk Taloyoak Qikiqtarjuaq
Igloolik
Territoire Pangnirtung
du Yukon Gjoa Hall
Umingmaktok Haven Kugaaruk Beach
Bathurst Inlet
Territoires Repulse Bay
Nunavut Iqaluit
du Nord-Ouest
Coral
Baker Lake Harbour Cape Kimmirut
Dorset
Ivujivik Kangiqsujuaq
Rankin Inlet
Chesterfield Inlet Quaqtaq
Salluit
Whale Cove Kangirsuk Kangiqsualujjuaq
Akulivik
Arviat Aupaluk Nunatsiavut
Puvirnituq Nain
Tasiujaq Makkovik
Kuujjuaq
Hopedale
Inukjuak
Nunavik Postville Rigolet
Terre-Neuve-
Umiujaq
Colombie- Sanikiluaq et-Labrador
Britannique
Kuujjuarapik
Alberta
Saskatchewan Québec
Manitoba
Ontario
Source : Recensement du Canada de 2006. Produit par la Division de la géographie, Statistique Canada, 2007.
5 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesMethodology
Data Challenges in Nunavik In general, the statistical tests are not required when
the data is analyzed by Census Canada since they are
The availability of data sources and the small populations considered representational of the population.
pose major challenges in assessing the health status .
of the population of Nunavik. Statistical Tests
Nunavik has limited data sources compared to other admi The calculation methods used to obtain coefficients
nistrative health regions in Québec and other Canadian of variation, confidence levels and Z-tests were based
provinces. This problem affects the quantity and fre on the methodology developed for the Plan commun
quency of information available on the health status of de surveillance (INSPQ et al, 2009).
the region’s population.
Coefficients of Variation
Data on lifestyle and certain health aspects of Nunavim- To certify the validity of the data, it is strongly recom
miut come from, at regional level, two population surveys: mended to use coefficients of variation (CV) for data
The Inuit Health Survey in 1992 (Santé Québec 1994) and stemming from administrative files and surveys. The
the Qanuippitaa Health Survey in 2004 (Rochette L. and C. coefficient of variation for a rate, a proportion or a number
Blanchet 2007). Since the 90’s only those two had been is the ratio of the standard error of the measurement to
realised. A Canada-wide survey Aboriginal Peoples the value of this measurement, and is expressed as a per-
Survey (APS), is carried out every five years since 2001. centage. According to the standards issued by Statistics
Canada, estimates with a CV of 16.5% or under can be used
In Québec and the rest of Canada, a lot of data on lifestyle without restriction, those with a CV of between 16.66%
and certain health issues are based on surveys which and 33.33% must include the comment “to be used with
does not cover Nunavik or the Indian reserves, for admi caution” and those with a CV greater than 33.33% are
nistrative, methodological and geographical reasons. not published.
The exclusion of these regions deprives the region of
relevant information on the health of its population. Tests Comparing Two Values
Another major problem is the small numbers. Indeed, since Before comparing estimates between the territories and
Nunavik has a small population, the number of cases seen between periods, it is necessary to make sure that the
for a given phenomenon is often not enough to draw any differences between the values are statistically signifi-
reliable statistical conclusions. To improve statistical cant; failing this, the interpretation of the differences could
validity, we have to increase the number of observations be incorrect. To accomplish this, two statistical measure-
either by using longer periods of time or by presenting ments are used: confidence levels and Z-test statistics.
aggregate data based on age and sex. Given the small
populations and often high variance, statistical measure- In this report, confidence levels were compared with
ments can be used to ensure that the data and resulting estimates taken from the Qanuippitaa Survey and the
interpretations are relevant. Thus, the data taken from Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS). The publishers of these
administrative files and health surveys come with data provided confidence levels of 95%. We were inter-
coefficients of variation. As well, when the values are ested in comparing geographic territories. More specifi-
compared, Z-test statistics were used to ensure that these cally, we attempted to check whether the values see
differences are statistically significant. on the Hudson coast were different from those on the
6 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesUngava coast, in the case of Qanuippitaa, and whether Nunavik and Its Coasts
the values from Nunavik were different from those in other
Québec Public Health Infocentre
Inuit regions in the APS. If the confidence intervals were
disjointed, we could conclude that there was a significant Several indicators in this report came from the Québec
difference. If they overlapped, we would say that the Public Health Infocentre. The Public Health Infocentre
values were not significantly different. is a networking site that is of benefit to the community
of public-health experts in Québec. It provides an informa-
For administrative files, we compared values using Z-test tion portal through which it publishes and disseminates
statistics. We contrasted the values of Nunavik with those public-health indicators based on different data sources,
from the rest of Québec, and then the values of each of including administrative files, Canadian censuses and
the coasts with the rest of Nunavik using the Bonferroni Canadian and Québec surveys. The Infocentre offers easy
adjustment. Bilateral tests with a threshold of 5% allowed access to standardized information for definitions and
comparing Z-test statistics and determining whether calculation methods for public-health indicators. Currently,
the value was significantly higher or lower than the this portal is reserved strictly for members of the health-
reduced-centred reference value. care network.
For more information on the methodology, please consult The census data available at the Infocentre were randomly
the document entitled Cadre méthodologique des indica- rounded to the nearest unit of five for CLSCs based on age
teurs du Plan commun de surveillance à l’Infocentre de and sex. Since the Nunavik population is small, this aggre-
santé publique (INSPQ et al, 2009). gate method may lead to differences in the outcomes
presented by this source and those from other sources.
Data Sources
Écosanté Québec
In this report, we have taken two different approaches to Écosanté Québec is a site providing data on the health
analyzing the information: of the Québec population and is focussed on both the
healthcare network and the general population (Web site
1 Comparison of data from the entire population living in in French only).
Nunavik (administrative health region 17) with Québec, • http://www.ecosante.fr/index2.php?base=QUEB&langh=FRA&langs
and comparison between both CLSC territories (Hudson FRA&sessionid=
and Ungava coasts). From this angle of analysis, the
population living on the Nunavik territory includes Inuit Canadian Census
and non-Inuit populations. Geocoded files for the Canadian censuses held between
1991 and 2006 allowed obtaining relevant and very specific
2 Comparison of data from the Inuit or aboriginal popula- information on, i.e., that of the CLSCs. The file used
tions of Nunavik with those of other regions of Inuit however did not differentiate between the ethnic origins
Nunangat. These data focussed strictly on the Inuit or of the respondents. Information from this source looked
aboriginal populations of the Inuit regions. at both Inuit and non-aboriginals. Data presented for the
population of Nunavik will therefore be different from
For these two angles of analysis, we used different data those for the Inuit of Nunavik in the second categorization,
sources or files. The indicators presented based on these since the population is different. The data on the popula-
categorizations should not be compared since the popula- tion are also subject to variations when the census rather
tions are different. than the population-estimates file has been used.
7 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesHealth Surveys Inuit Nunangat
The Qanuippitaa Inuit health survey conducted in 2004 “Inuit Nunangat” is an expression that refers to the four
is the most recent survey providing information on the Inuit regions in Canada. For this second angle of analysis,
social and health characteristics of the Inuit population we have used other data sources and specific categoriza-
of Nunavik. The previous survey, Nunavik Inuit Health tions that enabled us to compare the health status of the
Survey (Santé Québec 1994) dates from 1992. As part of Inuit population of Nunavik with those of other regions
the Qanuippitaa survey, more than 1,000 individuals aged of Inuit Nunangat. However, depending on the source,
15 and older from 521 households were questioned. certain data are presented for individuals who specified
The survey collected information on the sociodemographic their identity as “Inuit only,” whereas other sources
conditions, lifestyle, health problems, nutrition, physical presented information for persons declaring themselves
environment (contaminants) and social environment as having an “aboriginal” identity.
(setting, abuse) of Inuit living in one of the communities
in Nunavik. The 14 Inuit communities were surveyed, The population with an aboriginal identity refers to people
which helped produce analyses based on the two coasts. who specified on the census that they belonged to at least
This categorization corresponds to the one used in one aboriginal group, i.e., North-American Indian, Métis
the CLSC survey. Following this survey, several thematic or Inuit, and/or people who declared themselves as Treaty
reports were published. These reports are available Indians or Status Indians as defined by the Indian Act
online at: of Canada, and/or people who stated that they were part
• http://www.inspq.qc.ca/pdf/publications/nunavik.asp?E=p of an Indian or First Nations band (Statistics Canada
2008c). In this report, the term “aboriginal” refers to all
As part of this report, we had access to special tables people having an “aboriginal” identity; the term “Inuit”
containing coefficients of variation and confidence levels is used to designate individuals who declared themselves
of 95%. to be “Inuit only.”
Administrative Data Canadian Census
The data on population and birth came from the Institut Two types of information were made available to users
de la statistique du Québec and the ministère de la Santé by Statistics Canada in the 2001 and 2006 Canadian
et des Services sociaux du Québec respectively. The pop- censuses. Certain documents were on aboriginals and
ulation-estimate file provided estimates on the population others on Inuit.
from July 1, 1981, to June 30, 2006, and population projec-
tions from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2031. The Québec birth The Aboriginal Population Profile is a Web tool developed
file contains information from 1981 to 2008. These files by Statistics Canada to present demographic and socio-
provided information on the CLSCs of Nunavik but did not economic data of aboriginal peoples (Statistics Canada
differentiate between the Inuit and non-aboriginal popula- 2007a). The geographic division provided information
tions. For certain income indicators, data from the Institut on the aboriginal population living in one of the four Inuit
de la statistique du Québec were used. However, they regions. This reference is available online at
were presented at the level of the administrative region • http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/
of Nord-du-Québec (Nord-du-Québec, Nunavik and prof/92-594/Index.cfm?Lang=E
Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James) in which Nunavik is called
Kativik, irrespective of the aboriginal identity.
8 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesIn addition to these profiles, there are also a few tables Several data resulted from these surveys and are available
and publications specifically on Inuit from the four regions online (Statistics Canada 2008d; Naasautit: Inuit Health
of Inuit Nunangat Tait (2008), which published data online Statistics, 2011; Tait 2008).
at the following address: • http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-
• http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-636-x/89-636-x2008001-eng.htm pd/89-635/index.cfm?Lang=eng
• http://www.inuitknowledge.ca/naasautit
The indicators regarding data for the total population, the • http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-636-x/89-636-x2008001-fra.htm
Inuit or aboriginal populations must not be compared,
since they do not involve the same population and will As part of this report, we had access to special tables
therefore be different depending on the population containing coefficients of variation and confidence levels
under study. of 95%.
Health Surveys Administrative Data
In partnership with several institutions and band A limited amount of information is available on fertility
councils, Statistics Canada set up post-census surveys, in Inuit communities. Statistics Canada has published
specifically for aboriginal peoples, i.e., First Nations some data online.
peoples living off reserve, Métis and Inuit living in rural
and urban settings as well as in northern communities
throughout Canada.
The Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) produced in 2006
focusses on two population groups: young people aged
6 to 14 and people 15 years and older It discusses topics
on health, living conditions and socioeconomic and
demographic characteristics of aboriginals. In the Inuit
regions, face-to-face meetings were held and information
on young people aged 6 to 14 was obtained through
discussions with the parents or guardians. The final
Canadian sample involved 61,041 individuals, including
6,905 living in Inuit Nunangat (Statistics Canada 2009).
The Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS) of 2006 informed
about the lifestyle of children between the ages of zero
and five. Parents and guardians of 17,472 children were
approached for this survey throughout Canada, including
1,871 in Inuit Nunangat. All meetings were conducted
in person in the Inuit regions. For more information on the
ACS, consult “Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS) 2006:
Concepts and Methods Guide” (Statistics Canada 2008b).
9 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services10 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Results
POPULATION
Age and sex distribution of a population and its evolution over time are key indicators for describing a population,
it gives a perspective in particular to anticipate the needs of some groups and to set appropriate programs.
For more information on indicator sources and definitions (1 to 5), consult Appendix 1 and for the data Appendix 2.
For Nunavik and Québec…
A population that has grown faster than Over one third (34%) of the population of Nunavik is under
the total Québec population. the age of 15, whereas in Québec, only 16% of the popula-
The population of Nunavik has doubled over three tion falls into that age group (Graph 3).
decades, going from 5,860 inhabitants in 1986 to 10,952
in 2006. Based on projections from the Institut de la An emerging phenomenon:
statistique du Québec (ISQ), the region will have nearly a growing number of people 65 and older
12,000 people in 2011. People aged 65 or older accounted for only 3% of the
total population of Nunavik in 2011. According to demo-
Since the nineties, the population of Nunavik has grown graphic projections, this percentage will reach 8%
at a constant rate, about 10% every five years. For the by 2031. In Québec, people aged 65 or older represents
same period of time, the growth rate remained under 5% 16% of the population in 2011 and will accounted 26%
throughout Québec. In spite of a slight dip between 2006 in 2031 (Graphs 4 and 5).
and 2011, the growth rate in Nunavik (8%) has always been
twice that of the entire province (4%) (Graph 2). In fact, since 1996-2001, the population segment of people
aged 65 and older from Nunavik has grown quicker
A far younger population than that of Québec than that of young people under 15 years. This trend
In 2011, the median age of the Nunavik population was continued in 2006 2011 with a growth rate of 13% in this
22.8, i.e., nearly half that of the population of the province, age group compared to 4% in young people 15 years of age
which is 41.5. and younger.
Text Box 2
Dependence Index and Sex Ratio
The working population aged between 15 and 64 years old contributes economically and socially to the well-being of the youth 15 years
and under and of the senior of 65 years or older. The dependence index indicates the importance of this contribution and reflects the age
structure. In Nunavik,the dependex index for the youth is higher than of Québec (55% vs. 23%) and the dependence index for seniors
is much lower (5% vs. 23%). The total dependence index (60%) of Nunavik in 2011 indicates that every 100 people of working age
economically and socially support 60 people, including 55 young people under 15 and five individuals 65 or older.
As of 2011, the sex ratio was 105 men to every 100 women in Nunavik, versus 98 men for every 100 women in Québec. In 2006,
men were in excess in all Nunangat regions, except for the Inuvialuit region (96 men to every 100 women) (Statistics Canada, 2007a).
Source des données québécoises : MSSS, Estimations et projections
démographiques (version janvier 2010).
12 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesGraph 2 Graph 3
Growth Rate of population, Nunavik, Population Distribution Based on Age and Sex,
1986-1991 to 2006–2011 Nunavik and Québec, 2011
Nunavik
2006-2011 2001-2006
Québec
1996-2001 1991-1996
80 years or more
7.9
10.8
75 years to 79
Total 70 years to 74 Men Women
10.5
10.2 65 years to 69
60 years to 64
4.1
3.8
55 years to 59
0-14 years 50 years to 54
8.8
10.5 45 years to 49
40 years to 44
9.9
35 years to 39
15.2
15-64 years 30 years to 34
10.9
11.2 25 years to 29
20 years to 24
13.1
15 years to 19
11.0
65 years + 25.8 10 years to 14
-11.5 5 years to 9
0 years to 4
- 30 0 30 10 5 0 5 10
% %
Source: MSSS, Demographic estimates and projections (January 2010 version). Source: MSSS, Demographic estimates and projections (January 2010 version).
Note: Starting 2006, data are population projections. Note: 2011 data are population projections.
Graph 4 Graph 5
Population Distribution Based on Age, Population Distribution Based on Age,
Nunavik, 1981 to 2031 Québec, 1981 to 2031
80 80
70 69
15-64 years 62 61
59
55
15-64 years
42
% 34 %
31
0-14 years 0-14 years 65 years & older 26
21
16
8 9
3 65 years & older 3
15
0 0
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
198
198
199
199
200
200
201
201
202
202
203
198
198
199
199
200
200
201
201
202
202
203
Source: MSSS, Demographic estimates and projections (January 2010 version). Source: MSSS, Demographic estimates and projections (January 2010 version).
Note: As of 2011, data are population projections. Note: As of 2011, data are population projections.
13 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesOn the Coasts… For Nunangat…
Ungava and Hudson A young Inuit population,
share similar demographics especially in Nunavik and Nunavut
As of 2011, the Ungava coast has a population of In 2006, Nunavik and Nunavut had a younger population
5,151 people and the Hudson coast 6,709. On both coasts, than Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit region (Zakewich,
people under 15 make up 35% of the population, those 2008). Those under 15 years of age in fact represent 40%
between 15 and 64 represent a little more than 60% of the population in the first two regions, and approxi
and those 65 and older amount to 3%. mately 30% of the population of the two other regions.
Those 55 years or older are approximately 7% of the popu-
For the 2006–2011 period, the growth rate of those 65 and lation of Nunavik and Nunavut and 10% of the population
older was more than 16% on the Hudson coast and 8% of Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit region.
on the Ungava coast.
The median age is approximately 20 years in Nunavik
From now until 2031, we can expect that this age group will and Nunavut and nearly 25 years in Nunatsiavut and in the
represent 8% of the population of each of the coasts. Inuvialuit region.
A population that truly believes
in Nunavik and Nunavut
The rate of change between 1996 and 2006 shows that
the population has increased by 20% in Nunavik and
by 25% in Nunavut. The population of Nunatsiavut has
increased by only 3%, whereas that for the Inuvialuit
region decreased by 3% (Zukewich, 2008).
14 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services15 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
FerTILITy
A population’s fertility is at the centre of its growth, composition and size. High fertility also means, at short-
term, services and programs dedicated to maternal and infantile health along with childcare in the middle-term.
Fertility rates per age and total fertility rate are two of the most used indicators to to ascertain the characteristics
of fertility in a given population. For more information on the sources and definition of indicators used (6 to 8),
consult Appendix 1 and for some data, Appendix 2.
For Nunavik and Québec…
Women start their A greater number of children
fertile lives earlier in Nunavik per woman in Nunavik
The highest fertility rates according to age are found in Between 1989 and 1993, the total fertility rate (TFR), which
females aged 20 to 24 years in Nunavik and 25 to 29 years represents the average number of children per woman
in Québec. The differences between fertility rates of of child-bearing age, was four in Nunavik. For the 2004-
the region and the province are clearly higher in Nunavik 2008 period, it slightly dropped to 3.2 children (Graph 7).
where females 15 to 19 years (118 out of 1,000 vs. 10 out In spite of this drop in fertility, these TFR values make
of 1,000) and females between 20 to 24 years (198 out Nunavik one of the only administrative health regions
of 1,000 vs. 52 out of 1,000). From 25 years, the differences in Québec to reach and even largely exceed the genera-
diminish, in particular for those aged 30 to 34 (111 out tion-replacement threshold set at 2.1 children per woman.
of 1,000 vs. 104 out of 1,000) (Graph 6). For Québec, the TFR has been around 1.5 children per
woman since the early 1980s.
Graph 6
Fertility Rate According to Age, RSS
and Nunavik Coasts, 2004–2008
Rate for 1,00C
women Hudson Ungava Nunavik Québec
250 198
204
190 (+) 178
(+) 157
134 (+) 128
129 118 (-)
112 (+) 111
101 (+) 95 104
(-)
52 48 48 48 40
10
0
15-19 years 20-24 years 25-29 years 30-34 years 35-39 years
Source: Infocentre de santé publique du Québec (MSSS, Birth Files).
Note: (+/-): Significantly higher value (+) or significantly lower value (-) than that for the reference category at a threshold at 0.05. The fertility rate of Hudson
and Ungava were compared to the rest of Nunavik Region using the Bonferroni correction and Nunavik has been compared to the rest of Québec.
16 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesOn the Coasts… For Nunangat…
Higher fertility Equal fertility levels
on the Hudson coast in Nunavik and Nunavut
For the 2004–2008 period, the fertility rates were higher Although they are slightly higher in Nunavik, the fertility
on the Hudson coast than that of the Ungava coast rates of Nunavik and Nunavut follow the same trends.
especially for women 25 to 29 years of age and 30 to 34 For the 2004–2008 period, fertility rates were high among
(Graph 6). The average age of mothers when giving birth females 15 to 29 years of age, especially women aged
is 24.3 years on the Hudson coast and 25.2 years on 20 to 24. The average age of mothers when giving birth
the Ungava coast. The average number of children per is nearly 24.5 years in both regions. The TFR also shows
woman is also higher on the Hudson coast based on the that women, both in Nunavik (3.2 children) and Nunavut
total fertility rate (TFR) (3.5 vs. 2.9 children) (Graph 7). (3.0 children) have a similar number of children (Statistics
Canada, 2011a; Statistics Canada, 2011b).
Graph 7
Total Fertility Rate According to Age, RSS and Nunavik Coasts,
Québec, 2004–2008
Children per
woman Hudson Ungava Nunavik Québec
5
4.2
3.8
3.7 3.7
3,9 3.5
3.7 3.2
3.4 3.4
3.0
2.9
1.6 1.6 1.6
1.4 1.5
0
1984 to 1988 1989 to 1993 1994 to 1998 1999 to 2003 2004 to 2008
Source: Infocentre de santé publique du Québec, (MSSS, Birth Records).
17 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesFAmILy ANd mArITAL STATUS
Starting in childhood, the family context influences the health of family members and also affects individual
behaviours throughout life. To have a better idea of the family in Nunavik, we present indicators such as the
number of people in families and in private households, the population distribution based on household size
as well as families with children aged 18 and under based on the family structure. For more information on the
sources and definition of indicators used (9 to 17), consult Appendix 1, and for the data, Appendix 2.
For Nunavik and Québec…
Large families Although families in Nunavik are larger than in Québec,
According to the 2006 Census, the average family in other reasons may explain the large size of private house-
Nunavik is composed of 3.9 people, including 2.3 children. holds in Nunavik: multifamily households (households
In Québec, the average is 2.9 people, including 1.0 child. of at least two families sharing the same dwelling) make
up 13% of private households in Nunavik (0.8% in Québec).
Private households have This cohabitation is a result of lack of housing in the region
more members than do families (Text Box 3) (Statistics Canada, 2008c).
For the same year, the average number of people per
private household was 4.1 in Nunavik and 2.3 in Québec. Single parenting
A high proportion of private households in Nunavik are with many kids
large. In 2006, 30% of private households had four to five In 2006, the proportion of children under 18 years living
people and 25% had six or more. In comparison, in Québec with a single parent in Nunavik, is 39% compare to 24%
these proportions are respectively 18% and 2% (Graph 8). in Québec. More than half nunavimmiuts children lived
with their two parents: 34% are married and 25% cohabited.
Text Box 3
Overcrowded Dwellings
Acutally in Nunavik, the number of dwellings available is unsufficient to make up fo the household needs. Because of this lack, many
families share a same household even if it is overcrowded . A dwelling is considered overcrowded whtn there is more than one person
per room (Statistics Canada, 2008c; Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau, 2011). That problem is known and frequent in Nunangat.
As of the 2006 Canadian Census, 38% of Inuits of the Inuvaliut region are living in an overcrowded household. For the Nunavik, this
proportion reached 49%, a rise compared to 47% in 1996.
The overcrowding of dwellings impacts on the individuals’health living under such conditions . Promiscuity, on one hand, can propa-
gate infectious diseases, increase the risk of injury and contributes to upsurge tensions and violence in the household (Statistics
Canada, 2008c). To another level, the lack of space affects the youth education, notably by the little quietness needed to do their
schoolwork (Duhaime, 2009).
18 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesOn the Coasts… For Nunangat…
The Hudson coast has more people Family situation: a similarity
in private households from one region to another
The coasts differ in terms of number of people per house- In 2006, the distribution of Inuit children 14 years of
hold: Hudson households have one more person than age and younger based on family structure was similar
those on the Ungava coast (4.6 vs. 3.6 people). This is in all Inuit regions, with 71% of children living with both
mainly because multifamily households are more common parents, 25% living with one parent and 4% living with
on the Hudson coast (20%) than on the Ungava coast (7%). another relative.
There are also more households made up of six or more
people (33% versus 18%). Nunavik and the Inuvialuit region (31%) shows the high-
est rates of children 14 and younger living in single-parent
(Zukewich, 2008).
Graph 8
Population Distribution Based on Household Size,
RSS and Nunavik Coasts, Québec, 2006
1 person 2 to 3 people 4 to 5 people 6 people or more
50.0
50
32.7
30.4 30.4 30.3 30.7
28.8
25.3 25.5
22.2 22.3
% 18.5 18.7 17.7
15.2
1.6
0
Hudson Ungava Nunavik Québec
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census.
19 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesLeveL OF edUcATION
An individual’s level of education is an indicator of his or her socioeconomic status just like income and employ-
ment. Research has shown that socioeconomic status has repercussions on the health of a population, especially
in how it influences individual behaviours and risk factors to which an individual is exposed throughout his
or her lifetime as well as accessing to healty and secure environments. This section presents the population’
distribution based on level of education and the proportion of youth aged 15 to 24 who do not attend school.
For more information on the sources and definition of indicators used (18 and 19), consult Appendix 1 and for
the data, Appendix 2.
For Nunavik and Québec…
A population that has an increasing Over a third of Nunavimmiut between
number of graduates the ages of 25 and 64 have a partial
In 2006, more than half (52%) of those aged 25 or older post-secondary education
did not have a high-school diploma (DES). However, In 2006, despite the many challenges (Text Box 4) 10%
we have seen a drop of nearly 4% in the proportion of of Nunavimmiut between the ages of 25 and 64 had
people who did not obtain a DES between 1996 (56%) a high-school diploma (DES), 30% had a partial post-secon-
and 2006 (52%). This decrease may accentuate if more dary school diploma and 10% had a university degree (Text
young continue their educational path. Nearly 33% Box 5). The proportion of those with a university degree
of young Nunavimmiut aged 15 to 24 attend school in 2006, has been include Inuit and non-Inuit. The highest level
versus 69% in Québec. of education reached by Inuit is listed in the section
“For Nunangat”.
In Québec, for the same year, 21% of people between
the ages of 25 and 64 had a DES, 41% had a partial post-
secondary diploma and 21% had a university degree
(Graph 9).
Text Box 4
Educational Path for Nunavimmiut
School in Nunavik, as we know it today, was designed following the signing of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement
in 1975 . The Kativik School Board supervises education in this region . The curriculum is based on that found in Québec and the rest
of Canada but has been adapted to the specific needs of the Inuit.
Education is also offered from kindergarten to Secondary V (Grade 11) and is available in all communities. The first three years
of primary education is conducted in Inuktitut, and then the children can choose to continue in English or French . The school system
thrives to teach young people certain aspects of their culture and language throughout their education . School trips are integrated into
the program so that young people can learn survival skills . Some courses, including courses on religion and culture, are given by Inuit .
The Kativik School Board in Nunavik also offers adult education, distance education and professional and technical training
in a number of communities . As for college and university studies, young Nunavimmiut must continue their studies outside the region .
This uprooting and change in culture can be difficult and prevent many young people from continuing their studies (Revue Développe-
ment social (2008); Kativik School Board, 2010a).
20 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesOn the Coasts… Graph 9
Population Distribution between 25 and 64 Based
More university graduates on the Ungava coast on Highest Level of Education and Age, RSS
and Nunavik Coasts, Québec, 2006
We observe that the Ungava coast has a higher proportion
of diplomas compared to Hudson coast, especially
for partial post-secondary diplomas (32% vs. 28%) and Hudson Ungava Nunavik Québec
university degrees (14% vs. 6%) (Graph 9). Those propor-
tions included non-aboriginals. The greater percentage
60
of graduates on the Ungava coast can be explained
since it has the most administrative and service positions 41
in the region which require higher levels of education
32
30
in Kuujuuiaq, administrative centre of the region. % 28
21 21
14
11 10 10 10
6
For Nunangat…
0
Partial post-secondary diplomas are very common Partial
University
in the Inuit regions DES high-school
degree
diploma
In terms of schooling, Nunavik and Nunavut have many
things in common. They have higher percentages Source: Statistique Canada. 2006 Census.
Notes: DES: High school diploma
of people without diplomas when compared to the other Partial post-secondary studies: less than a bachelor’s degree
University degree: at least a bachelor’s degree
two regions, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit region (60%
vs. 45%). Among those aged 25 to 64 years, these propor-
tions are respectively 58% and 59% for the first two regions
and of 42% and 47% for the last (Statistics Canada, 2007).
Text Box 5
Professional and Technical Training in Nunavik
Among the population aged from 25 to 64 years living
Two centres offer professional and technical training
in Nunavik (29%) and in Nunavut (29%), just over one
in Nunavik. The Nunavimmi Pigiursavik Centre, located
person out of four has a diploma from a trade school
in Inukjuak, offers DEPs in carpentry-joinery, accounting,
or apprentice school versus two out of five people equipment operation on northern sites, electricity, northern
in Nunatsiavut (37%) and in the Inuvialuit region (37%). building maintenance, on-site engine mechanics, plumb
ing and heating, computer graphics, secretarial skills
Two percent of the aboriginal population of Nunavik (Inuktitut), computer support, translation and interpretation
has a university degree. The proportions are slightly in Inuktitut.
higher in the other regions (3.0% in Nunavut and 3.4%
The Kajusivik Centre, located in Kuujjuaq, specializes
in Nunatsiavut). Based on sex, we can see gaps, in favour
in automobile mechanics and support of people in health-
of women. In Nunatsiavut, the proportions are 2% in men
care institutions (Kativik School Board, 2010b).
and 6% in women.
21 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social ServicesYou can also read
